Penetrator, use of a penetrator, and projectile

ABSTRACT

Penetrator ( 1 ) for a projectile having a tail unit, in particular a sub-calibre kinetic-energy projectile, comprising a one-piece main body ( 10 ) and a sub-body ( 11 ) fitted on the main body ( 10 ), characterized in that the main body ( 10 ) has at least a front region ( 12 ) and a rear region ( 17 ), wherein the rear region ( 17 ) of the main body is of a solid design and the front region ( 12 ) has a bore ( 13 ) formed in it, wherein the bore ( 13 ) comprises at least a first region ( 131 ) and a second region ( 132 ), wherein the first region ( 131 ) receives the fitted-on sub-body ( 11 ) and the second region ( 132 ) extends rearwards behind the fitted-on sub-body ( 11 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2021/065602, filed on 10 Jun. 2021, which claims the benefit and priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2020 116 589.7, filed on 24 Jun. 2020. The entire disclosures of the applications identified in this paragraph are incorporated herein by references.

FIELD

The invention relates to a penetrator for a projectile with a tail unit, in particular a sub-caliber kinetic-energy projectile, comprising a one-piece main body and a sub-body attached to the main body.

For engaging armored targets, such as battle tanks, sub-caliber penetrators are used. An example of this type of massive penetrators is the DM53/DM63 series projectile from company Rheinmetall.

Various approaches to increasing the performance of penetrators have been proposed in the past. It has been shown that the end-ballistic performance of a penetrator does not only depend on the geometry of the tip of the penetrator, but is also influenced by the geometry of the tail.

When a penetrator hits a target, it is strongly eroded starting from the tip in the target. In the case of a reactive target, the interaction with a pre-target, such as the first plate, occurs with the tip of the penetrator. With this in mind, there have been several approaches to address this issue.

From the document EP 2 372 295 B1 a penetrator with a stepped profile is known, which comprises a bore in the interior, which extends along the two stepped parts of the penetrator, wherein an explosive charge is arranged in the interior of the bore and the wall of the penetrator is configured to be substantially equally thick over this area. This penetrator is not suitable for engaging a battle tank with reactive armor, but is designed to penetrate a thin wall and cause an explosion with the greatest possible fragmentation effect. This is because the penetrator does not comprise a solid main body.

The document DE 40 22 821 A1 discloses a sub-caliber kinetic-energy projectile that comprises a large length-to-diameter ratio and is designed to penetrate targets with multiple armor plating. To ensure this, a predetermined breaking point is arranged in the area of the tip so that the tip can break off. This type of projectile is designed to engage multi-plate targets.

From the document DE 10 2015 117 018 A1, a multi-part penetrator is known which comprises an interface to which different penetrator tips can be attached. The different penetrator tips are adapted to the respective usage.

Document EP 2 597 416 A2 also discloses a multi-part penetrator with an attached penetrator tip.

With the previous penetrators, a relatively large amount of mass is allocated to the tip or the attached elements of the penetrators. This leads to the fact that for a given total mass of the penetrator, a relatively large amount of end-ballistically effective weight is lost, as this is allocated to the attached elements, thereby reducing the mass of the penetrator that is still available to engage the main target. This reduces the penetrating power of the penetrator in the main target.

In addition, possibilities have already been sought in the past to provide penetrators that are specifically suitable for combating multi-plate targets, such as in the as yet unpublished application DE 10 2019 113 325.4. The concept proposed there involves configuring the tip of the penetrator to be thinner and in this way achieving a conservative optimization of the weight of the tip of the penetrator.

SUMMARY

Based on the above, the object of the invention is to provide a penetrator configured to penetrate a target with reactive pre-armoring.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further modifications are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a penetrator is provided for a projectile with a tail unit, in particular a sub-caliber kinetic-energy projectile. The penetrator comprises a one-piece main body and a sub-body attached to the main body. The main body comprises at least a front region and a rear region. The rear region of the main body is solidly configured and a bore is formed in the front region. The bore comprises at least a first region and a second region. The first region receives the attached sub-body and the second region extends rearwardly behind the attached sub-body. In other words, the second region extends rearwardly behind the first region to receive the attached sub-body.

Furthermore, according to the invention, there is provided a use of such a penetrator or a penetrator further configured as described below for engaging an armored target with reactive armor, in particular a tank, with reactive armor.

Furthermore, according to the invention, a projectile is provided with a sabot and a tail unit comprising such a penetrator or a penetrator modified as described below.

The sub-body attached to the main body may be a head. Furthermore, the attached sub-body may comprise a tip.

The sub-body fitted to the main body, in particular its tip, may be aerodynamically optimized.

The tail unit may be connected to the penetrator as in the unpublished German Patent Application No. 10 2020 104 217.5, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

Similarly, a ballistically effective hard core may be provided in the tail of the projectile as described in unpublished German Patent Application No. 10 2019 126 604.1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

A one-piece main body in the context of the invention means that the main body is not composed of different components, but is embodied as a one-piece element.

If the penetrator hits the pre-module, not much penetrator material is required in this first phase of penetration, as the pre-module does not comprise a large thickness. Consequently, the front region of the main body of the penetrator according to the invention can be made with a bore.

The bore comprises two regions, wherein the first region of the bore is configured to accommodate the attached sub-body. The second region extends behind the attached sub-body and in particular behind the first region for accommodating the attached sub-body. The second region may remain empty or be filled with a material. The material can, for example, be an additional element.

Because the second region can remain empty or be configured to be filled with different material, the second region of the bore is configured for center of gravity adjustment of the main body and thus of the penetrator.

When engaging a target with a reactive pre-module, the front region of the main body serves only to initiate the explosive charges of the pre-module.

Since the front region of the main body comprises a bore, the mass saved thereby can either be used to increase the diameter of the rear region of the main body or the rear region of the main body can be lengthened. The aim is for the rear section of the main body to generate the greatest possible penetrating force in the main target.

Due to the bore in the main body of the penetrator, the overall projectile is lighter and can hit the target at a higher velocity with the same launch energy.

In addition, the bore of the main body in the front part of the main body weakens the flexural rigidity of the main body in this region. This leads to the fact that in the further course of penetration an intentional break-off of the front part of the main body at the reactive pre-module can take place.

After the front region of the main body together with the attached sub-body is broken off, the remaining rear region of the penetrator is decoupled from the back side of a reactive pre-module. This reduces the deflection of the main body of the penetrator and significantly increases the end-ballistic performance in the subsequent main target.

By configuring the penetrator according to the invention, it is possible to engage targets with reactive armor.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the front part of the main body can be optimally adjusted to the reactive targets to be engaged.

Preferably, the penetrator is used to engage an armored target, in particular a tank with reactive armor.

The invention relates to the optimized front region of the penetrator. The invention is based on the working principle of mass reduction in the front region of the penetrator. The working principle (mass reduction in the front penetrator region) is disguised by drilling and is no longer visible from the outside. The invention is a weight-and geometry-optimized penetrator for combating heavy, reactive protection systems. The bore is dimensioned in such a way that the explosive foil of the ERA pre-module is initiated. The length of the front region of the penetrator is configured in such a way that perforation of the first plate of the target's pre-module is ensured.

The rear region of the penetrator comprises a length which is sufficient for the perforation of the main module.

In further embodiment of the penetrator, a side wall can be configured in the front region of the main body.

Furthermore, it may be provided that the side wall extends at least over the first region of the bore, preferably over the first region and second region of the bore.

The side wall can be configured as a substantially hollow cylindrical shape.

Both the inner wall and the outer wall of the side wall may comprise a substantially hollow cylindrical contour.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the main body of the penetrator comprises a substantially cylindrical outer contour.

Surprisingly, the inventors have found that an essentially cylindrical outer shape of the penetrator with a sub-body attached is aerodynamically more favorable than a stepped shape of a penetrator.

“Substantially cylindrical outer contour” of the main body in the context of the invention means that the front region and the rear region of the main body comprise a substantially cylindrical shape. However, the rear region of the main body in particular may also comprise a thread or grooves configured thereon or therein for attaching a sabot to the main body of the penetrator.

It is also possible that for accommodating the attached sub-body the first region of the bore has an internal thread and the attached sub-body has an external thread. Alternatively, the attached sub-body can also be connected to the main body by means of an interference fit.

In embodiments of the bore, it may be provided that the bore is configured as a blind bore.

The bore can be drilled to the middle of the penetrator. The depth of the bore complies with the ERA target plates.

Furthermore, the front region can be cup-shaped.

In embodiments, the front region of the main body may be configured with reduced mass in relation to the rear region without this being apparent from the outer contour of the penetrator.

This has the advantage that the mode of operation of the penetrator cannot be seen from the outside. Thus, the mode of operation of the penetrator according to the invention remains hidden from those persons to whom the internal structure of the penetrator is unknown.

Reduced mass in the context of the invention means that a comparison volume (e.g., a 2 cm thick disk) of the front region comprises a lower mass compared to a comparison volume (e.g., a 2 cm thick disk) of the rear region, i.e., comprises a lower density.

In embodiments, the front region can be embodied to be resistant to buckling in such a way that it can penetrate a pre-target, in particular a pre-plate of a reactive armor, with the attached sub-body.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the second region of the bore forms a cavity which is unfilled when the sub-body is attached. In this case, the second region remains empty.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the second region of the bore, when the sub-body is attached, forms a cavity that is filled with a material that has a lower density than the material of the rear region of the main body. The material in the second region of the bore may be configured as a separate structural element. This structural element can be pressed into the second region of the bore, or held in position by the attached sub-body. In addition, the structural element can be connected to the attached sub-body and configured to be mountable together with the latter.

This can improve the flexural rigidity of the main body and in particular the front region of the main body, wherein at the same time the weight of the front region of the main body can be reduced. Furthermore, by choosing the material or by choosing the density of the material, in the second region of the bore and the amount of material in the second region of the bore, the center of gravity of the main body can be adjusted.

The material of the main body can be tungsten heavy metal, steel, titanium and/or aluminum. In particular, sintered tungsten heavy metal can be used as the material.

Material in the second region of the bore may be tungsten heavy metal, steel, titanium and/or aluminum. In particular, a sintered tungsten heavy metal can be used as material, wherein it may comprise a lower density than a sintered tungsten heavy metal of the main body.

The material in the second region of the bore can increase the bending stiffness of the attached sub-body when the penetrator hits the ERA plate. This opens up further technical variation possibilities.

The attached sub-body can be made of tungsten heavy metal, steel, titanium and/or aluminum. The attached sub-body can also be made of sintered tungsten heavy metal as the material.

In further embodiment of the bore, it may be provided that the bore extends in the longitudinal axial direction of the main body.

It may further be provided that the length ratio of the rear region to the front region is in a range of 10 to 1.5, preferably 8 to 2, more preferably 6 to 3.

Here, the length of the substantially cylindrical front part of the main body correlates with the thickness of the first plate of a reactive pre-module.

The penetrator according to the invention offers improved use of mass due to the relatively long and relatively light front part of the main body and the relatively long and heavy rear part of the main body.

In an embodiment of the penetrator, it may further be provided that the length I of the front region is determined according to the formula I≥2*b/cos(α) wherein b is the thickness of a first plate of a pre-target and a is the angle of inclination of a surface normal of the first plate of the pre-target with respect to a longitudinal axis of the penetrator.

Thickness and angle of the plates of a pre-target of a reactive armor can be assumed to be known, since these can also be determined with sufficient accuracy from enemy tanks, for example, by evaluating photographs or on the basis of other findings.

Preferably, the pre-target is a reactive pre-target, such as reactive armor.

It may further be provided that the front region of the main body comprises higher strength values and/or a higher hardness than the rear region of the main body.

Furthermore, it may be provided that the wall thickness of the front region, in particular of the side wall, is at least 30% of the outer radius of the front region, in particular 40% to 50% of the outer radius of the front region.

The wall thickness of the penetrator in the front region is dimensioned in such a way that the first plate of the ERA module is penetrated and the initiation of the explosive can take place.

It may further be provided that the main body is configured from a tungsten heavy metal.

Tungsten heavy metals are defined, for example, in the ASTM B777-07 material standard.

Furthermore, it may be provided that a transition region is configured between the front region and the rear region of the main body, which comprises the predetermined breaking point.

However, the transition area can also be configured in such a way that its design influences the fracture behavior of the main body.

In an embodiment, the predetermined breaking point can be configured as a structural notch.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the predetermined breaking point is realized by configuring the transition region from a material with a lower strength and/or a higher brittleness than the front region and/or the rear region of the main body.

In an advantageous embodiment, the transition area can be made of a material which comprises 30% less strength than the base material of the main body.

The base material of the main body can comprise a strength of σH=1700MPa and the transition region a strength of σUe=1700MPa.

In an embodiment of the penetrator, it can be provided that the predetermined breaking point is realized by the transition area comprising an increased brittleness achieved by mechanical surface treatment.

Furthermore, it is possible that the transition area can be affected by a special heat treatment, so that this area is embrittled and thus more sensitive to stresses than the rest of the main body.

Furthermore, the attached sub-body can be formed from the same material as the main body of the penetrator or from a different material so that triggering of the reactive pre-module is ensured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the following, the invention will be explained by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings. It shows:

FIG. 1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a penetrator according to the invention;

FIG. 2 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a penetrator according to the invention;

FIG. 3 a schematic enlarged view of the front region of the main body according to the first and second embodiments;

FIG. 4 a schematic representation of a penetrator according to the invention and a first plate of a pre-target.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a penetrator 1 according to the invention.

The penetrator 1 is configured for a projectile with a tail unit, in particular a sub-caliber kinetic-energy projectile.

The penetrator comprises a one-piece main body 10 and a sub-body 11 attached to the main body 10. The main body 10 comprises at least a front region 12 and a rear region 13.

The attached sub-body 11 on the main body can be a head. Furthermore, the attached sub-body can comprise a tip.

The rear region 17 of the main body 10 is configured to be solid, and a bore 13 is formed in the front region 12. The bore 13 includes at least a first region 131 and a second region 132.

The first region 131 accommodates the attached sub-body 11. The second region 132 extends behind the attached sub-body 11, preferably in the longitudinal axial direction to the rear.

In the front region 12 of the main body 10, a side wall 14, in particular a substantially hollow cylindrical side wall, is configured.

The sidewall 14 extends at least over the first region 131, preferably extending over the first region 131 and second region 132.

To accommodate the attached sub-body 11, the first region 131 comprises an internal thread 15 and the attached sub-body 11 comprises an external thread 16.

The bore 13 can be configured as a blind bore even if this is not shown in FIG. 1 .

The bore 13 preferably extends in the longitudinal axial direction of the main body 10, as shown in FIG. 1 .

As can be seen from FIG. 1 , the front region 12 of the main body is configured to be cup-shaped.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 1 , the second region 132 of the bore 13 is empty. The front region 12 of the main body 10 is thus configured with reduced mass in relation to the rear region 17, without this being apparent from the outer contour of the penetrator 1. In addition, the mass and center of gravity of the front region can be adjusted.

Adjacent to the rear region 17 of the main body 10 is a tail region 16.

The tail region 16 is configured so that the tail unit of the projectile can be attached to it.

The length ratio L/I of the rear region 17 to the front region 12 of the main body 10 is in a range of 10 to 1.5, preferably 8 to 2, in particular 6 to 3.

The front region 12 of the attached sub-body 11 is configured to resist buckling so that it can penetrate a pre-target, in particular a pre-plate of a reactive armor. For this purpose, the attached sub-body 11 can comprise a tip.

The second region 132 of the bore 13 configures a cavity when the sub-body 11 is attached, which remains empty according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 .

As can be seen from FIG. 1 , the main body 10 comprises a substantially cylindrical outer contour.

The front region 12 preferably comprises higher strength values and/or a higher hardness than the rear region 17.

The main body 10 is preferably configured from a tungsten heavy metal.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a penetrator 1 according to the invention. The second embodiment is based on the first embodiment and only the differences between the first and second embodiments are set out below.

According to the second embodiment, the second region 132 of the bore 13 configures a cavity filled with a material M when the sub-body 11 is attached.

The material M in the second region 132 of the bore 13 can be configured as a separate component. This component can be pressed into the second region of the bore 13 or held in position by the attached sub-body 11. In addition, the structural element can be connected to the attached sub-body 11 and configured to be mountable together with the latter.

The material M comprises a lower density than the material M′ of the rear portion 17 of the main body 10.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the front region 12 of the main body 10. Even though the second region 132 of the bore 13 is shown empty, i.e. without material M, the disclosure with respect to FIG. 3 relates to all embodiments of the invention.

The wall thickness W of the front region 12 is at least 30% of the outer radius r of the front region 12. Preferably, the wall thickness W of the front region is 40 to 50% of the outer radius r of the front region 17.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a penetrator 1 according to the invention and a first plate P of a pre-target.

The length I of the front region 12 of the main body 10 is determined by the formula I≥2*b/cos(α). Where b is the thickness of a first plate P of a pre-target and a is the angle of inclination of a surface normal of the first plate P of the pre-target with respect to a longitudinal axis of the penetrator 1. Preferably, the pre-target is a reactive pre-target of a reactive armor.

The thickness b and angle a of the plates of a pre-target of a reactive armor can be assumed to be known, since these can also be determined with sufficient accuracy from enemy tanks, for example, by evaluating photographs or on the basis of other findings.

For example, the angle a can be α° and the thickness d of a plate of a pre-target can be 25 mm. The length I of the front region 12 of the main body 10 is then at least 134 mm and the length L of the rear region 17 of the substantially cylindrical part is about 620 mm.

To the extent that the foregoing disclosure relates to a penetrator 1, the disclosure deems equally applicable to a projectile configured from such a penetrator 1, a tail unit, and a sabot.

In particular, the penetrator 1 according to the invention is for usage of the penetrator 1 for engaging an armored target with reactive armor, in particular a tank, with reactive armor.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   -   1 penetrator     -   10 main body     -   11 attached sub-body 11     -   12 front region of the main body     -   13 bore     -   131 first region of the bore 13     -   132 second region of the bore 13     -   14 side wall     -   15 internal thread     -   16 external thread     -   17 tail region of the main body     -   α angle of inclination of a surface normal of the first plate P     -   b thickness of the first plate P of a reactive pre-target     -   I length of the front region 12     -   L length of the tail section 17     -   M material in the second region 132 of the bore     -   M′ material of the tail region 17     -   P plate of a reactive pre-target     -   r outer radius of the front region     -   W wall thickness 

What is claimed is:
 1. A penetrator for a projectile with a tail unit, in particular a sub-caliber kinetic-energy projectile, comprising a one-piece main body and a sub-body attached to the main body, characterized in that the main body comprises at least a front region and a rear region, wherein the rear region of the main body is solid and a bore is formed in the front region, wherein the bore comprises at least a first region and a second region, wherein the first region accommodates the attached sub-body and the second region extends rearwardly behind the attached sub-body.
 2. The penetrator according to claim 1, wherein a side wall, in particular a substantially hollow cylindrical side wall, is formed in the front region of the main body.
 3. The penetrator according to claim 1, wherein the side wall extends at least over the first region, preferably over the first region and second region.
 4. The penetrator according to claim 1, wherein for accommodating the attached sub-body, the first region has an internal thread and the attached sub-body has an external thread.
 5. The penetrator according to claim 1, wherein the bore is formed as a blind bore, and/or in that the bore extends in the longitudinal axial direction of the main body.
 6. The penetrator according to claim 1, wherein the front region is cup-shaped.
 7. The penetrator according to claim 1, wherein the front region of the main body is of reduced mass design in relation to the rear region, without this being apparent from the outer contour of the penetrator.
 8. The penetrator according to claim 1, wherein the front region is embodied to be resistant to buckling in such a way that it can penetrate a pre-target, in particular a pre-plate of a reactive armor, with the attached sub-body.
 9. The penetrator according to claim 1, wherein the second region of the bore forms a cavity which is unfilled when the sub-body is attached.
 10. The penetrator according to claim 1, wherein the second region of the bore forms a cavity when the sub-body is attached, which cavity is filled with a material which has a lower density than the material of the rear region of the main body.
 11. The penetrator according to claim 1, wherein the main body has a substantially cylindrical outer contour.
 12. The penetrator according to claim 1, wherein the length ratio of the rear region to the front region is in a range from 10 to 1.5, preferably 8 to 2, in particular 6 to 3, and/or in that the front region has higher strength values and/or a higher hardness than the rear region.
 13. The penetrator according to claim 1, wherein the length I of the front portion is determined according to the formula I≥2*b/cos(α) where b is the thickness of a first plate of a pre-target and a is the angle of inclination of a surface normal of the first plate of the pre-target with respect to a longitudinal axis of the penetrator, and/or in that the wall thickness of the front region is at least 30% of the outer radius of the front region, in particular is 40 to 50% of the outer radius of the front region.
 14. A method of using the penetrator according to claim 1 to engage an armored target with reactive armor, in particular a tank, with reactive armor.
 15. A projectile with a sabot and a tail unit comprising a penetrator according to claim
 1. 